Famous people and celebrities who died in 2013
A dedicated page for remembering the famous people and celebrities who passed away in 2013. This year saw the loss of many influential and beloved figures who left a lasting impact on the world. From entertainment icons and sports legends to renowned scholars and public figures, our comprehensive list pays tribute to their lives and legacies. Join us in honoring their contributions and celebrating their achievements as we reflect on their remarkable stories.
- Jan. 11 Mariangela Melato
Renowned Italian actress known for her roles in iconic films like 'Flash Gordon' and 'Summer Night', who was a prominent figure in Italian cinema during the 1970s and 1980s.
- Jan. 14 Conrad Bain
Canadian-American actor best known for his role in the sitcom 'Diff'rent Strokes', who served in the Canadian Army during World War II and later pursued an acting career in New York.
- Feb. 17 Richard Briers
Renowned British actor famous for his comedic roles in television series like 'The Good Life' and 'Ever Decreasing Circles', who also performed in Shakespearean stage productions.
- Feb. 27 Dale Robertson
Prominent American actor known for Western films and television series, particularly 'Tales of Wells Fargo' and 'Iron Horse'.
- March 28 Richard Griffiths
Richard Griffiths was a renowned English actor known for his versatile roles in film and theater, including memorable performances in 'Harry Potter' and 'Withnail and I'.
- April 4 Roger Ebert
Renowned American film critic, journalist, and Pulitzer Prize winner who significantly influenced film criticism and popular culture through his reviews and television show.
- April 8 Annette Funicello
Iconic Disney actress and Mouseketeer who became a teen idol in the 1960s, starring in popular beach party movies alongside Frankie Avalon and representing the quintessential American entertainment of her era.
- April 11 Jonathan Winters
Legendary American comedian and improvisation master known for his exceptional mimicry skills and groundbreaking comedy performances on television. He was a pioneering comedian who influenced generations of comedians like Robin Williams and Steve Martin. Winters won an Emmy Award and was renowned for his innovative comedic style.
- April 17 Deanna Durbin
Deanna Durbin was a renowned Hollywood actress and singer who rose to stardom as a teenager, becoming one of the most popular musical film stars of the 1930s and 1940s. She made ten successful box office films and was known for her exceptional vocal talents. After retiring from acting, she lived a private life in France with her husband.
- May 8 Jeanne Cooper
Jeanne Cooper was an American actress renowned for her long-running role as Katherine Chancellor on the soap opera 'The Young and the Restless'.
- May 29 Andrew Greeley
Renowned American Catholic priest, sociologist, and prolific author who made significant contributions to religious sociology and social research at the University of Chicago.
- May 31 Jean Stapleton
Renowned American actress best known for her iconic role as Edith Bunker in the groundbreaking sitcom 'All in the Family'. She was a talented performer who significantly influenced television comedy in the 1970s.
- June 6 Esther Williams
Pioneering American actress and swimmer who revolutionized aquatic-themed Hollywood musicals during the mid-20th century. She was famous for her elaborate synchronized swimming performances in movies and became an iconic Hollywood star of the 1950s.
- June 19 James Gandolfini
James Gandolfini was an iconic American actor who revolutionized television drama through his complex portrayal of Tony Soprano in HBO's groundbreaking series 'The Sopranos'. He won multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his transformative performance.
- July 13 Cory Monteith
Cory Monteith was a Canadian actor and musician best known for his breakthrough role as Finn Hudson in the popular musical television series Glee. He was a beloved cast member who tragically died of a drug overdose in 2013 at the age of 31.
- July 22 Dennis Farina
Dennis Farina was a renowned American actor known for his distinctive tough-guy roles in television and film, particularly in crime dramas like 'Law & Order' and Guy Ritchie's 'Snatch'.
- July 28 Eileen Brennan
Eileen Brennan was an accomplished American actress known for her versatile stage and screen performances. She won both an Obie Award and an Emmy Award, with notable roles in films like 'The Sting' and 'Private Benjamin'. Her career spanned theater, television, and cinema, making her a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
- July 31 Michael Ansara
American actor known for his Native American roles in film and television, particularly as Cochise in 'Broken Arrow' and in the series 'Centennial'.
- Aug. 8 Karen Black
Acclaimed American actress known for her memorable roles in 1970s cinema, including 'Five Easy Pieces' and 'Nashville'. She was nominated for an Oscar and won the New York Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress.
- Aug. 20 Elmore Leonard
Renowned American crime fiction and western novelist known for his gritty, dialogue-driven style. He wrote numerous bestsellers that were adapted into films like 'Get Shorty' and 'Jackie Brown'.
- Aug. 24 Julie Harris
Renowned American stage actress who won five Tony Awards and was a prominent figure in theater. She was best known for her Broadway performances and her role as Lilimae Clements in the television series 'Knots Landing'.
- Sept. 16 Scott Adams
Scott Adams is the renowned creator of the Dilbert comic strip, a satirical commentary on corporate workplace culture that became globally recognized. He is also an accomplished author of business humor books.
- Oct. 1 Giuliano Gemma
Giuliano Gemma was a prominent Italian actor famous for his iconic roles in Spaghetti Western films during the 1960s and 1970s. He was particularly known for his performances in classic Western movies like 'A Pistol for Ringo' and 'Day of Anger'.
- Oct. 27 Lou Reed
Legendary rock musician and founding member of The Velvet Underground, Reed was a pioneering figure in punk, alternative rock, and experimental music. He significantly influenced rock music through his innovative songwriting and raw, uncompromising artistic vision.
- Nov. 30 Paul Walker
Paul Walker was a famous American actor best known for his iconic role in the Fast and Furious film franchise. He tragically died in a car accident in 2013, leaving a significant impact on Hollywood and pop culture.
- Dec. 9 Eleanor Parker
Acclaimed Hollywood actress known for her vibrant red hair and strong female roles, Eleanor Parker was a prominent film star during the 1950s and 1960s, earning multiple Academy Award nominations for her compelling performances.
- Dec. 12 Audrey Totter
Prominent American film noir actress known for her roles in classic Hollywood movies like 'The Carpetbaggers' and 'The Set-Up', who was a significant figure in mid-20th century cinema.
- Dec. 15 Joan Fontaine
Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in Alfred Hitchcock films like 'Rebecca' and 'Suspicion'. She had a complex family relationship with her sister Olivia de Havilland, also a famous actress. Her early life was marked by family challenges and international experiences.
- Dec. 21 John Eisenhower
John Eisenhower was an American military officer, diplomat, and writer, son of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He graduated from West Point and served during World War II, later becoming a respected military historian and diplomat.
- Dec. 31 James Avery
James Avery was an iconic American actor best known for his memorable role as Uncle Phil on the popular sitcom 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', starring alongside Will Smith.
What happened in 2013?
Discover what the world looked like in 2013: